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Italian Cops Now Rock a Maserati MCPura
Andrew Evans
October 28, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Aston Martin escapes minor cost-cap breach as all ten teams cleared
UK government to review too-bright car headlights
Mercedes-AMG's GT Track Sport to rival 911 GT3
Saleen invites fans to design supercar
Chadwick remains on Genesis Hypercar development path
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
The UK government is contemplating stricter regulations on headlight design in response to rising concerns from drivers about being blinded by intense lights during darker evenings. Following a study initiated by the Department for Transport to investigate headlight glare, the findings are expected to guide future measures in the forthcoming Road Safety Strategy, which may also include mandatory eye tests for drivers over 70.
Mercedes-AMG has unveiled initial visuals of its upcoming GT Track Sport, set to debut in 2026 as a competitor to the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. This model, which builds on the second-generation AMG GT, incorporates significant enhancements, including a V8 engine, advanced aerodynamics, and a focus on lightweight construction, hinting at features that may influence the next GT Black Series.
Kia's new PV5 electric van has set a Guinness World Record by traveling 431 miles on a single charge while carrying a full payload, demonstrating the vehicle's efficiency and capabilities in real-world conditions. The van, which surpassed its official range by over 172 miles, completed the journey on a challenging route near Frankfurt, showcasing the potential of electric light commercial vehicles.
General Motors is facing significant challenges with its 6.2-liter L87 V8 engine, which has been associated with numerous engine failures, leading to a substantial recall affecting over 877,000 vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has expanded its investigation to include an additional 286,000 vehicles due to ongoing reports of issues, complicating GM's efforts to address the situation amid lawsuits and supply chain difficulties.
US automotive manufacturing may experience significant delays in the coming weeks due to escalating tensions between China and Western countries regarding semiconductor supplies. The recent decision by China to restrict exports from chipmaker Nexperia, following a Dutch government intervention, has raised concerns among manufacturers about potential disruptions to production, particularly affecting older semiconductor technologies essential for basic vehicle functions.
Genesis appears to be developing an electric off-road SUV, as evidenced by a modified test vehicle spotted in South Korea featuring enhancements suited for rugged terrain. This model is part of the brand's broader strategy to diversify its offerings, which will include various powertrains alongside its anticipated luxury electric vehicles.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the FBI are probing the illegal importation of counterfeit airbag inflators linked to eight serious incidents in the U.S. since 2017, resulting in multiple fatalities and severe injuries. These substandard components, which were installed in vehicles after prior accidents, were found to be manufactured by a company that does not distribute products in the U.S., raising concerns about the safety of potentially thousands of vehicles.
General Motors has laid off over 200 employees at its Warren Technical Center, primarily impacting its design engineering and CAD teams, despite reporting a better-than-expected third quarter. The company is undertaking these cuts as part of a strategy to streamline operations and enhance profitability, with the layoffs attributed to broader business conditions rather than individual performance.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated an investigation into Tesla's "Mad Max" mode, a feature within its Full Self-Driving system that may promote hazardous driving behaviors. This inquiry is part of a larger examination of Tesla's FSD technology, raising questions about safety compliance and the potential for traffic law violations.
MOTORSPORT
The FIA has announced that all ten teams in Formula 1 adhered to the championship's cost cap during the 2024 season, with Aston Martin identified as having committed a minor procedural violation. This breach was attributed to unforeseen circumstances affecting the team's ability to finalize necessary documentation, but it did not result in any financial penalties or suggest an unfair competitive advantage.
Jamie Chadwick will remain with Genesis Magma Racing's Trajectory Program for a second year, though she has not been elevated to a race position in the team's inaugural Hypercar initiative in the FIA World Endurance Championship. Following a successful season in the European Le Mans Series, where she and her teammates secured three class victories, Chadwick's involvement will continue as the program prepares for its future.
Aston Martin has announced that Jak Crawford will serve as the reserve driver for the 2026 season, stepping in for either Fernando Alonso or Lance Stroll if needed. Having joined the team in 2024 and previously raced in Formula 2, Crawford expressed his pride in this new role and his commitment to furthering his development within the team.
David Bearman praised Haas for their strategic decisions during the Mexico City Grand Prix, where his son Oliver finished fourth after initially securing third place amidst early race turmoil. He emphasized the importance of the evolving synergy between the driver and the team, noting that their collaborative efforts contributed to the positive outcome despite the missed opportunity for a podium finish.
Carlos Sainz experienced a challenging race at the Mexico City Grand Prix after sustaining damage on the first lap, which led to two penalties for exceeding the speed limit in the pit lane. Despite showing competitive pace, he struggled with malfunctioning sensors and ultimately retired late in the race, though he completed enough distance to be classified.
Mercedes has faced criticism for its handling of driver dynamics during the Mexican Grand Prix, where both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli expressed dissatisfaction over team orders that ultimately hindered their performance. Despite a mid-race strategy to swap positions, the decision came too late for either driver to capitalize effectively, leading to a disappointing finish and calls for a review of the team's approach.
Colton Herta, serving as Cadillac's Formula 1 test driver, will participate in three endurance races in the IMSA SportsCar Championship next season, driving a Cadillac V-Series.R alongside Jordan Taylor and Louis Deletraz. This partnership marks a return to Wayne Taylor Racing for Herta, who previously enjoyed success with the team in 2024, and comes as Cadillac announces its full driver lineup for the upcoming season.
Formula E and the FIA are contemplating the introduction of a competitive aspect to the upcoming rookie test, scheduled for March at Jarama, which will require teams to include two drivers who have yet to participate in a race. While there is interest in mirroring elements of the current qualifying format, opinions vary among team leaders regarding the potential benefits of adding competition to the test.
CURIOSITIES
Saleen, the renowned American supercar manufacturer known for models like the S7, has revealed a concept for its forthcoming S11 supercar at the LeMay Museum in Tacoma, inviting enthusiasts to contribute to its design. This initiative allows fans to vote on various aesthetic elements, while the company plans to unveil the finalized version of the vehicle within the next year.
Maserati has officially entered a partnership with the Italian Carabinieri, marking the first time the national police force has used the brand's vehicles and beginning with the MCPura model. Alongside this mid-engined supercar, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio will also be part of the fleet, with both vehicles kitted out for urgent medical transport.
A driver relying on Google Maps found himself in a perilous situation when he accidentally drove into a river late at night, unable to distinguish between the road and the water. Following the incident, which revealed a lack of warning signs in the area, authorities commented on the importance of being cautious and familiarizing oneself with routes rather than solely depending on navigation apps.
An Illinois Tesla driver reported that their vehicle, operating on Autopilot, crashed into a police car while they were asleep. Local authorities reiterated the importance of driver vigilance, noting that, even with advanced automation, the responsibility for safe driving ultimately rests with the operator.
A recent social media video depicts a Chevy Malibu slowly navigating a two-lane road on a completely deflated front tire, creating a bottleneck for the cars behind it. Although the cause of the tire failure remains unknown, observers noted that the driver had several chances to pull over safely but chose to keep moving instead, raising concerns about potential damage to the vehicle and the risk of losing control.
A 21-year old man is facing serious charges, including attempted murder, after allegedly running over two police officers multiple times with his father's SUV during a traffic stop in Plymouth Township, Pennsylvania. Both officers sustained leg injuries and are expected to recover, while the suspect has been denied bail following a history of reckless driving and previous encounters with law enforcement.
Thieves are exploiting vulnerabilities in Toyota and Lexus vehicles by using devices that can quickly disable their security systems, allowing unauthorized access and ignition. Despite the brand's longstanding reputation for reliability, the slow response from Toyota to address these security issues has left owners seeking alternative protective measures.
Infiniti has unveiled the QX80 R-Spec, a concept SUV that features a powerful 1,000-horsepower engine derived from the GT-R Nismo, along with a striking Midnight Purple finish and an aggressive body kit. Although it sports impressive aftermarket modifications and performance potential, the automaker clarified that this model is intended solely as a creative display rather than a production vehicle.
That's all for today! We would love to hear your feedback, so just reply to this message to let us know what you thought about this issue. See you next time!